Willie A. Miller II was born and raised in West Palm Beach and is a resident of Coleman Park.

Willie is a two-time graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University ("FAMU*) where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education. Since graduating from FAMU, Willie has spent most of his career working in state and local government in various capacities, including serving as a Senior Administrative Assistant and Legislative Assistant to former County Commissioner and former State Representative, Priscilla A. Taylor. Willie currently serves as Senior Commission Administrative Assistant to Mack Bernard. Beyond work, Willie assists area residents in crisis to identify their needs and connect them to various social service providers.

 

Willie's passion for helping others developed at a young age, witnessing his parents reach out and touch the lives of many within his church and community.

 

Every December, Willie, and his family host an annual Christmas dinner for the community; right on his sister's (who is the organizer of the meal) front lawn. When asked what led him and his family to host a public Christmas dinner, he responded by saying, "Our Kingdom assignment is to feed. We serve God by serving others. Giving is not seasonal nor occasional for the Miller’s, it’s a lifestyle.” Willie and his family have hosted over 200 people during this annual community event.

 

Willie believes it is his God-given assignment to feed the spirit, as well as the physical body of those in need. As an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church of West Palm Beach, Willie was instrumental in securing grant funding for a church re-entry program to assist formerly incarcerated individuals, in addition to funding for a weekly food program for senior citizens. He has also implemented a program that provides weekly, hot, and nutritious breakfast to students before they head to school.

 

When Willie is not working or serving at church, you can find him engaging someone or initiating some action to advance the mission, goals, and activities of his beloved alma mater, FAMU. To say that Willie is committed to FAMU is an understatement. He bleeds orange and green. Willie has initiated or coordinated several events, including the local FAMU Alumni Chapter's annual scholarship gala.

This story is part of the 33407 “Black” History Memoirs, a 2023 Project in celebration of Black History Month. View other stories here.